Baltimore County wants residents to share how and when they would like to use county-owned pools in Dundalk and Randallstown. The county will take over operations of the Dundalk and Randallstown aquatic centers after the end of the current lease with the Y of Central Maryland.  “These pools have long served our families, seniors, and communities,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We want to hear from the people who use them today and those who could benefit from them in the future. Community input will help shape the best path forward for these facilities.” The pools are located at the Dundalk Community Center at 15 Commerce St., and at the Randallstown Community Center at 3505 Resource Drive. Both centers include a 25-yard, six-lane indoor pool that ranges from 4 to 10 feet in depth, as well as men’s, women’s, and family changing facilities. As part of that transition, Baltimore County officials are asking for public input on programming, operations, and future use of the facilities. Residents can fill out a survey to share their ideas. They can also attend two public listening sessions, where they will be able to ask questions and provide input in person. Those listening sessions will take place: Monday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Dundalk Elementary School, 2717 Playfield St., Dundalk, MD 21222 Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Randallstown Community Center, 3505 Resource Drive, Randallstown, MD 21133 Baltimore County Councilmember Julian E. Jones Sr. represents District 4, including Randallstown. He emphasized the importance of pools to the county’s residents. “Pool access and aquatics are essential recreation services for families, seniors, and residents of all ages,” Jones said. “Ensuring these critical services continue in Baltimore County is one of my top priorities. Community engagement is critical for shaping these services into the future, and I look forward to continuing to work with the County Administration and the community to provide pool access for residents across Baltimore County.” Baltimore County Councilmember Todd Crandell, who represents District 7 including Dundalk, said “the Dundalk Y has long been a pillar of our community.” “After hearing from many over the uncertainties of its future, I am glad to see the Administration taking positive steps and incorporating that same feedback into planning the next chapter of our pool,” Crandell said. The Y of Central Maryland notified Baltimore County that it would not renew its lease to operate the facilities. In the short term, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks plans to hold 70 hours of combined weekly operations between the two facilities. The county will provide staffing and a contracted pool maintenance company will oversee cleaning and facility maintenance. The county will develop a long-term operation plan based on the survey results, stakeholder feedback, staffing availability, and funding considerations. “Recreation and Parks shares the County Executive’s goal of getting feedback to help shape providing some continuing services at both Dundalk and Randallstown Community Centers,” said Bryan Sheppard, acting director of the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks. “Please take the survey that builds on the feedback we have gotten to date so we can work collaboratively to provide opportunities this fall.” ...read more read less